Man arrested for organising online cricket betting racket in Begum Bazar

The Goshamahal police busted an online betting racket operating from Begum Bazar and arrested a 59-year-old man allegedly involved in organising cricket and racecourse betting through mobile messaging platforms.

The accused, identified as Venugopal Sharma alias Idly Venu, 59, a resident of Narayan Bhavan in Begum Bazar, was arrested during a raid conducted at his residence on Friday, May 29. Police seized a mobile phone allegedly used for betting activities and ₹3,000 in cash.

According to the police, the raid was carried out after receiving credible information about illegal betting operations being conducted from the premises. During the operation, the accused was allegedly found actively managing betting activities through WhatsApp and other communication channels.

During questioning, Venugopal allegedly confessed to organising cricket and racecourse betting under the name ‘Godavari Associates’ along with his associates and collecting betting amounts from punters through intermediaries.

Police said the accused also admitted to deleting WhatsApp conversations linked to the betting operation in an attempt to conceal evidence.

Investigators described him as a habitual offender who had previously been involved in multiple betting-related cases registered at Goshamahal and Charminar police stations. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway to identify other persons connected to the betting network.